The Vault
Our carefully curated collection of trusted occult resources, our methodology, and our commitment to transparency.
These sources are used by Open Occult for reference and validation.Note: These external sites are not affiliated with Open Occult.
Authors Directory
Community-vetted collections of recommended spiritual authors and problematic writers to approach with caution.
Our Usage
Our primary reference for evaluating occult authors and their works.
Labyrinthos
Online tarot school bringing ancient tarot rituals to modern practice.
Our Usage
We use Labyrinthos to validate and cross-reference our tarot data.
Earth Witchery
Spiritual and environmental resource for the magickal community.
Our Usage
Primary reference for validating our botanical and herbalism data.
Spells 8
Positive, inspiring, uplifting spells and lunar magic resources.
Our Usage
Reference for our Lunar Magic lessons and celestial timing data.
Norse Mythology Org
Reliable, well-documented information on Norse and Germanic mythology.
Our Usage
Primary source for rune data and Norse spiritual practices.
Mythopedia
Comprehensive encyclopedia of mythology from cultures around the world.
Our Usage
Primary reference for mythology data in Cabot and on /divine.
Transparency & Corrections
True wisdom comes from acknowledging mistakes. Here we document our missteps and the concrete actions we've taken to improve.
The Cowley Legacy Issue
What happened: In our early days, we unknowingly incorporated data influenced by Aleister Crowley's problematic interpretations without proper context or critique.
Why it matters: Crowley's work is entangled with cultural appropriation, Orientalism, and harmful power dynamics. His "Magick" system (with a 'k') was often a repackaging of traditions he didn't fully understand or respect.
Our response: We've:
- Removed all Crowley-derived content from Cabot's core systems
- Added contextual warnings in our Authors Directory about his problematic legacy
- Implemented stricter vetting for any Thelemic or Golden Dawn influenced material
The "Magick" Controversy
What happened: We previously used the term "magick" (with a 'k') indiscriminately across our platform.
Why it matters: While popularized by Crowley to distinguish ceremonial magic from stage magic, the term has become:
- A red flag for questionable, often appropriative practices
- Associated with systems that prioritize aesthetics over cultural context
- Frequently used to market watered-down or commercialized spirituality
Our response: We now:
- Use tradition-specific terminology (e.g., "sorcery", "witchcraft", "juju") where appropriate
- Reserve "magick" only when directly quoting or referencing specific Crowley-influenced works
- Provide explanations about the term's problematic history in our educational materials
Cabot's Appropriation Issues
What happened: Early versions of Cabot contained:
- Blended traditions without proper cultural context
- Eurocentric interpretations of non-European practices
- Overgeneralized "universal" correspondences that erased cultural specificity
Our response: We've completely rebuilt Cabot's knowledge base to:
- Maintain clear separation between distinct traditions
- Work with cultural consultants for sensitive material
- Implement "cultural context" warnings where appropriate
- Add source citations for all traditional knowledge
These changes are ongoing. We welcome community feedback at ethics@openoccult.com
About Our Selection Process
Inclusion Criteria
- Accuracy and historical authenticity
- Cultural sensitivity and ethical approach
- Community trust and reputation
How We Use These Resources
- Cross-referencing and fact-checking
- Inspiration for original content
- Educational references for our community